MY TAKE - An unprecedented demand for help

Monday

Dec 29, 2008 at 12:01 AMDec 29, 2008 at 12:00 PM

In October, the Michigan Nonprofit Association in conjunction with the Johnson Center at Grand Valley State University surveyed nonprofits statewide on critical issues facing Michigan’s non-profit sector. The survey found that 71 percent of the organizations had seen an increase in a demand for service during the past 12 months and that 94 percent of those agencies reported that the economy was a key factor in that increase.

The Ottawa County Human Services Coordinating Council, a group charged with supporting the coordination of human services in the county, did a follow-up survey to learn how Ottawa County agencies compared to Michigan as a whole. The survey focused on those agencies providing the most basic needs to families: food, housing, utilities and medical services. Not surprisingly, 89 percent of the agencies reported increases in demand. Half of the agencies reported either being unable, or only partially able to meet the increase in demand. With most agencies expecting that demand will increase again in the next six month, less than 15 percent expect that they will be able to meet that demand.

DONNA CORNWELL

In October, the Michigan Nonprofit Association in conjunction with the Johnson Center at Grand Valley State University surveyed nonprofits statewide on critical issues facing Michigan’s non-profit sector. The survey found that 71 percent of the organizations had seen an increase in a demand for service during the past 12 months and that 94 percent of those agencies reported that the economy was a key factor in that increase.

The Ottawa County Human Services Coordinating Council, a group charged with supporting the coordination of human services in the county, did a follow-up survey to learn how Ottawa County agencies compared to Michigan as a whole. The survey focused on those agencies providing the most basic needs to families: food, housing, utilities and medical services. Not surprisingly, 89 percent of the agencies reported increases in demand. Half of the agencies reported either being unable, or only partially able to meet the increase in demand. With most agencies expecting that demand will increase again in the next six month, less than 15 percent expect that they will be able to meet that demand.

One agency’s comment about the challenges it is facing describes the situation for many agencies: “Clients have presented themselves with more needs per household, need longer term assistance, and are facing more serious issues. A lot of times the only source of income for the family becomes non-existent, therefore affecting the entire household on a longer basis.”

• “I have not seen a line out of the door of our agency for years, until last month.”

• “We ran out of turkeys this Thanksgiving, despite planning for a huge increase in the need, and despite referring others to other agencies when possible.”

• “We are concerned about the long-term effects of the economic situation affecting the most vulnerable population (poverty level) and minorities. Crisis can lead to substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental health issues (i.e. depression), most of our clients do not have access to these services.”

• “We are seeing more first-time clients, and more clients are in need of services for longer periods of time.”

• “We are beginning to serve more people in traditional ‘middle’ income brackets — people who in the past could make ends meet are now seeking services due to unemployment. Requests for utility assistance, unemployment benefits and training for white-collar workers have increased.”

Local agencies need help in meeting the most basic needs of our neighbors. Financial support is needed to purchase and deliver food, to provide financial support for housing, or to assist someone with an emergency dental need.

This is a community that works to meet critical needs. Our agencies need more support than ever, just at a time when many of us are facing financial constraints ourselves. The time to help has never been more urgent to increase support to these agencies.

For those unsure of which agencies provide for basic needs in our community, dial 211 from any land line to find a list of agencies meeting these needs. Both the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area have responded to the urgent needs of the local community by establishing funds to assist local nonprofit organizations as they provide vital services to families in crisis during this unprecedented economic downturn.

— Donna Cornwell is director of the Ottawa County Human Services Coordinating Committee.

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